[Rehabilitation / Postoperative Spine Surgery Questions] Post-op discectomy - when can I safely bend from the waist?

[Papa57]

I am six weeks post op L5/s1 mi ro discectomy when will i be able to start bending at the waist pt says not yet but is driving me crazy any info please also my fmla is up probably to lose my RN job aint life great maybe i Will work in a spine clinic

[Justin]

I would follow the advice of your surgeon to a "T" on this one. Many surgeons instruct patients to avoid low-level bending (including bending at the waist) and twisting until 12 weeks post-op.

[Papa57]

I would follow the advice of your surgeon to a "T" on this one. Many surgeons instruct patients to avoid low-level bending (including bending at the waist) and twisting until 12 weeks post-op.

Thanks Justin